Wild boars turn nightmare for farmers in Odisha

Farmers in the Rajnagar and Mahakalapada regions of Kendrapada district are reeling under mounting losses as wild boars continue to wreak havoc on their standing paddy crops. For many, the presence of wild boars has become nothing short of a disaster, forcing them to stay awake throughout the night to guard their fields.

Multiple Villages Affected by Rampaging Wild Boars

Villages under Rajnagar block including Rajendranarayanpur, Gobindapur, Paramanandpur, Nalitapatia and others have reported extensive crop damage. Farmers say the wild boars frequently enter farmlands after dark, destroying paddy fields that are nearing harvest, leaving cultivators in distress.

“The wild boars are destroying our crops, which is why we are forced to stay awake and keep watch during night. Whatever animals come, we have no choice but to guard our fields throughout the night,” said a farmer.

Farmers Accuse Forest Department of Inaction

It is alleged that despite filing repeated complaints with the Forest Department, the affected farmers claim that no meaningful action has been taken so far. They allege that officials have failed to provide protection measures or compensation, deepening their frustration as the losses continue to rise.

As the threat from wild boars persists, farmers fear severe financial setbacks this season. They urge immediate intervention from the Forest Department to safeguard their crops and ensure their livelihoods are not further endangered. The growing tension highlights the urgent need for coordinated action to mitigate human-wildlife conflict in the region.